Daoist Competition

At this moment, Fu Baoxing took a step forward, bowed deeply, and said, "Master, this disciple is originally from the Divine House Mountain and wishes to stay here to relieve the sect’s burdens."

In fact, Zhang Yan favored Fu Baoxing the most. Over the years, this disciple had accepted far more disciples than the Wang Sisters, and having matured within the Han Yuan Sect from a young age, his relatives and descendants now numbered in the hundreds, all gathering in the Divine House Mountain. With solid roots in the sect, he would not regard Han Yuan as a mere affiliate house, but rather manage it diligently. Thus, Zhang Yan smiled and nodded, saying, "You need not argue over this matter; it shall be entrusted to Baoxing."

Fu Baoxing hastily knelt and kowtowed, saying, "The disciple will adhere to the Dharma Decree."

Zhang Yan raised his hand, and suddenly, two beams of light shot down, sinking into Fu Baoxing’s forehead. He said, "From today onward, you are the Sect Leader of Han Yuan. This White Tiger Profound Shuttle is a Dharma Treasure of our Mingcang Sect, now bestowed upon you for self-defense. Bring forth your Dharma Sword for me to inspect."

Fu Baoxing quickly unfastened the Dharma Sword from his back and respectfully handed it over.

Zhang Yan focused his gaze, and the two swords floated in mid-air, suspended before him. After observing for a moment, he waved his hand, collecting them, and said, "Your swords have many flaws. Before I leave, I will refine them anew for you in the Earth Fire Sky Furnace." He then said to the Wang Sisters, "You two need not envy; I will also procure Treasure Materials to forge suitable Dharma Treasures for each of you."

Upon hearing this, the three were overjoyed and quickly knelt to thank their master.

Zhang Yan called them to stand and said to the Wang Sisters, "You may withdraw now. Baoxing, stay behind."

The two sisters knew that he would have further instructions for their younger martial brother, so after saluting, they exited the hall.

Zhao and Zhang also took their leave, seeing no further matters.

Once only Fu Baoxing remained beneath the hall, Zhang Yan asked, "I observe your Qi Mechanism. Have you not yet found a suitable Cultivation Technique?"

Fu Baoxing hesitated for a moment, then said, "Yes, Sister Caiwei mentioned that since Master did not leave specific instructions before entering seclusion, she dared not make decisions on her own. It would be best to delay this matter."

During his time in the Xuan Guang Realm, Fu Baoxing had cultivated the Yin Yang Separation and Union Saber Technique, which was very compatible with him, leading to rapid progress.

However, he preferred swords over sabers, so the Dual Sword technique he practiced was derived by adapting the Separation and Union method into swordsmanship. But after refining pill, he could not decide on a specific Cultivation Technique without Zhang Yan’s guidance. Thus, since reaching that stage, he trained in Qi Cultivation and breathing through ordinary methods.

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "Caiwei’s words are prudent. However, given your preference for the Dharma Sword, when I return to East Splendor, I shall seek out a Sword Scripture for you. Within a year or two, there will be certainty. Do not be impatient."

Without the opportunity to return to East Splendor Continent, this disciple was bound to miss many opportunities. Moreover, after we leave, it wouldn’t be easy for him to guard East Victory Mountain alone. Hence, I intend to offer some compensation elsewhere, preparing to return to the Mountain Gate and request the Sect Leader’s permission to impart the ’Yunxiao Thousand Sword Scripture’ to him.

Fu Baoxing was overjoyed and exclaimed loudly, "I will rely entirely on Master’s decision."

Zhang Yan smiled, made a beckoning gesture, and a scroll of bamboo books flew over, opening slowly in front of him. This contained a detailed account of all major and minor events that occurred outside while he was in seclusion. He read through it carefully, and noted that during this period, the Southern Continent’s Three Sects had their Primordial Qi slightly recovered, and the situation remained as before with little change. However, the Northern Continent was highly unstable, rife with conflicts. Raising his eyebrows, he asked, "Do you know the current situation outside the mountain?"

Fu Baoxing respectfully replied, "Master, Xuanyue’s Elder Envoy Chunyu Ji, with secret support from the Python Clan, has seized an immortal city near East Hao Sea, attracting many former Xuanyue cultivators to join him. Du Shixun has challenged him several times, fighting to a draw, and now Chunyu Ji’s influence is growing stronger. Sect Leader Qiao of Zhongtai has sent letters several times, hoping for you to act and eliminate them, but knowing you were in seclusion, he abandoned the thought."

Zhang Yan nodded. Such maneuvers by the Python Clan were anticipated. Without the reliance of a Cave Heaven True Master at Zhongtai, even with True Master Tao serving as a Sacrifice, they are ultimately out of reach. Many matters must be resolved independently. His gaze fixed on Fu Baoxing, "What do you think our Han Yuan Sect should do in the face of such a situation?"

Fu Baoxing, knowing this was his master testing him, dared not answer carelessly. After some contemplation, he replied solemnly, "This disciple believes we should observe quietly and not act hastily."

Zhang Yan remained expressionless, saying, "Oh? Then would you watch as the Python Clan slowly devours Zhongtai?"

Fu Baoxing bowed slightly and said, "Master, please allow me to explain. Although Zhongtai has been on the defensive against Xuanyue’s pressure and appears to be in a dire situation, its roots are yet unharmed. When they fully integrate the skills taught by the Da Mi Ancestor, Chunyu Ji will not be their match. Even with the Python Clan’s backing, it’s not easy for Zhongtai to suppress them entirely. Thus maintaining a standoff with mutual checks and balances is actually beneficial for us at Han Yuan."

Zhang Yan spoke in a bland tone, "Have you forgotten the Southern Continent’s Three Sects?"

Fu Baoxing said, "In my humble opinion, while the Southern Continent’s Three Sects will not stand by idly, they have been intimidated by Master Shen previously and would only meddle between the Python Clan and Zhongtai. They dare not intrude upon Han Yuan, and likely, this will be of no concern for a few hundred years."

Shen Baishuang had once intentionally hidden his Qi Mechanism before the three sects’ true masters, so no one knew if he still resided here. Further, with his acts of establishing reputation through killing, under such conditions, as long as the Han Yuan Sect does not provoke incidents, no one will dare to disturb us.

Zhang Yan nodded slightly. While Fu Baoxing’s answer wasn’t particularly brilliant, it largely aligned with his own thoughts.

He didn’t expect much from this disciple, only that he could maintain this Lower Court.

However, Han Yuan Sect was undoubtedly a place he managed for a long time. Cultivation-related external objects on this continent far exceeded those in East Splendor. He wouldn’t easily hand it over to others. The greater the chaos here, the less likely people within the sect with intentions would covet it. The contention among the Four Sects, for the line of Zhao You, was actually beneficial.

...

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